Horsetail Fall on El Capitan at Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic waterfalls in the United States, even under the most ordinary conditions. However, at one point in time every year, conditions are just right to allow it to look extra special.
Every year, during the last two weeks of February, the waterfall glows a fiery red-orange color at sunset as the sun’s rays hit the water just right. As Firefall season fast approaches, here’s how you can attempt to see the phenomenon.
When to See ‘Firefall’
Since the sun’s rays have to hit the waterfall at just the right angle for the water to glow the fiery orange, the phenomenon only happens at one time of the year, between the middle of February and the end of February.
Photographer Jeff Pfaller, who’s photographed Firefall nearly 10 times, recently spoke to Travel + Leisureabout how and when to see it. Pfaller says that Feb. 10 to Feb. 27 is the ideal timeframe.
“President’s Day weekend sits in the middle of the peak period,” Pfaller told the outlet. “I’ve seen it on the tail ends of the ideal viewing period, and you can still technically see it, but the contrast is not as pronounced.”
Generally speaking, the phenomenon occurs about 20 to 25 minutes before sunset – around 5:30 or 5:40. However, weather conditions obviously have an impact, as the sun has to be able to shine through for the water to glow orange. However, Pfaller says that some people often leave too early.
“If it’s cloudy, it’ll hit sunset, and people think there’s no possibility of seeing it,” he says. “The sun can still hit the waterfall since it’s that high up, and Firefall will occur two or three minutes after sunset. So hang out for a little bit.”
San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Contributor
Where to See the Phenomenon
The most common viewing area is the El Capitan Picnic Area. However, you’re going to have to plan ahead and get there early, as thousands of people will be looking to get the same view and the same photo.
“If you care about getting a picture, I would get there right after lunch, like 12 or 1 p.m.,” Pfaller says. “What happens is, people get there to set up super early, and if you get there at 3 or 4 p.m., all the spots that are unobstructed are taken.”
Be sure to plan your visit ahead of time and check out the free shuttle schedule. You can also park your car in the nearby lots and either walk or ride a bike, instead.
“There are ample paved paths that connect the Valley loop. When biking or walking, it’s wise to bring warm layers and gloves, a headlamp, bike lock, reflectors and lights, and warm drinks,” our Chris Van Leuven wrote in his Men’s Journal guide to seeing Firefall back in 2022.
As for what you’ll need to take an iconic photo, photographer and longtime Yosemite resident Dean Fidelman told Men’s Journal that most modern cameras and cell phones should be able to take a beautiful photo, though a tripod might help.
“It’s quite beautiful—just epic,” he says. “Bringing a tripod allows you to get a slow shot where the water looks milky.”
